Winter holiday is over and while some of you have had their trips during the holidays, some prefer the more quiet period time after the holidays, and that is January or even February. This is the time when you can still find many winter wonderlands around Europe and enjoy a winter escape.

After the New Year, a
new set of events starts and everyone prepares to receive the new year with a
new style, so being one of the first people to go to a place.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

This is a town found in the south
of the Dolomites Italian Alps, which are
part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Though currently a very beautiful
destination for the ski lovers, it is also a gorgeous town with a 1000 year
history that deserves to be explored by foot as well. All in all, Corina d’Ampezzo
will make you love winter if you do not love it already.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is actually part of the Dolomiti Superski, a circuit that is among the world’s
largest ones and it extends across 12
regions. The ski area here is big. It has 85 km of slope split in 3 different areas. You can have access
in all the three areas once with the free of charge ski bus.

Sunset in Dolomites. Thanks to Marco Bonomo, Unsplash

If you are not a ski fan, you can also come here to enjoy
the Italian lifestyle, the gastronomy and
just take time to relax in slow mode at
fresh air.

Things to do:

Super8
Ski Tour

Freeride,
Snow-kite

Snowshoeing

Snow
bike

Sledding

Ice
climbing

Snow
driving

Rovaniemi, Finland

This is by far one of the most festive places on Earth. Rovaniemi is shaped like a reindeer’s
head – but this is not what makes it the hometown of Santa Claus.

Whichever your reason for traveling
may be, Rovaniemi is a great destination as they have many opportunities for
great experiences all year long. However, if you are a winter lover, you will
probably enjoy it better during winter time.

Rovaniemi, FinlandThanks to darkroomsg, Unsplash

There actually is a Santa Claus Village – 8.6 km from the
city center of Rovaniemi and there you can meet Father Christmas. Thus it can
be a great holiday destination for the little ones. You can also visit the Snowman
World – a place where you can see ice sculptures, an Igloo Hotel and eat at the
Ice Restaurant.

You can also visit the Ranua Wildlife Park where you can see
some other different species of animals than in any other ZOO’s you’ve probably
been.

Things to do:

Snowmobile safaris

Ice fishing

Reindeer and husky rides

Northern Light hunting

Meet Santa Claus

Gstaad, Switzerland

This is a place where you will feel the Alpine style. Though
a quiet touristic destination, Gstaad did not give up its traditions. This village
is in a valley, at the edge of the
Bernese Oberland, surrounded by sheer and smooth slopes. This makes it a great
winter destination for ski lovers. Its mountains reach up to 2400 meters in the
north and 3200 in the south.

Gstaad, SwitzerlandThanks to Chris Petrow, Unsplash

The beauty of this place attracts many rich people and this
is what makes it a rather mix between the down-to-earth locals and the Hollywood
glamour. Nonetheless, you will not feel
out of place here if you are not a Hollywood star, as locals respect people and
make them feel comfortable once here.

It can get rather expensive if you choose to stay right in
the middle of the town, but if you desire a quieter and less expensive stay,
there are nearby locations perfect for a family stay.

Things to do:

A
trip with the Golden Pass train

Hiking

Sightseeing

Skiing

A trip to Glacier
3000

Fondue
Backpack

Lake
Lauenen

Events in January:

41st
International hot air balloon festival this January

Snow
Bike Festival Gstaad

Sierra Nevada, Spain

This is the one place where you will find some Mediterranean sun in January. The beautiful ski
slopes and resorts wait for you and promise to offer the best conditions and a
lot of sun, as it is the most southern
ski resort in Europe. Sierra Nevada mountain is the only ski location in the
province and this makes it special. Here you can find the highest point of
continental Spain – Mulhacen peak is 3478 meters
high and at Pradollano you can enjoy some night skiing.

Sierra Nevada, Pradollano, Spain Thanks to Yeray Sánchez, Unsplash

However, there is more to it than just skiing. It is a place
that you can visit all year round. Located near the city of Granada and Alhambra,
there are various activities to choose
from.

Things to do:

Skiing

Snowboard

Artistic
skiing

Trekking

Adventure
skiing

Russian
sleigh

Photos

Climbing
mountains

Enjoying
the spa

Go
to the observatory

Interlaken, Switzerland

January is one of the best time to enjoy a winter wonderland
in Interlaken. It is a very crowded place
during the holidays as it is surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the
Alps. The mountains you will see here will blow your mind and the entire
landscape is worthy to be seen over and over again. There is just no time for
getting bored here.

Interlaken, SwitzerlandThanks to Joshua Earle, Unsplash

If you are not into outdoor winter sports and prefer a winter landscape while enjoying some cultural
experiences, again, this is the place to be this winter.